Safety of ciprofloxacin. A review

Abstract

In clinical trials phase II and III world wide 8,861 courses of ciprofloxacin were entered into the data base for safety evaluation. The following adverse reactions were observed-gastrointestinal 5%, metabolic and nutritional 4.6%, central nervous system 1.6%, skin 1.4%, hemic and lymphatic 1%, cardiovascular 0.4%, body as a whole 0.4%, urogenital 0.3%, special senses 0.3%, musculo-skeletal 0.1%, respiratory 0.08%. Total incidence of adverse reactions was 10.2%. Ciprofloxacin interacts with theophylline and certain antacids. Caution should be exercised in treating patients with known history of convulsions. Crystalluria does not appear to be a problem. Ciprofloxacin is well tolerated and side effects are usually mild or moderate in intensity. However, unusual and unexpected reactions have to be watched for.